Pope Francis has urged leaders of the Chaldean Church to be builders of unity, favouring dialogue and collaboration between all actors of Iraqi society. The Pope was addressing bishops in Rome for the Synod of the Chaldeans, taking place from 4 to 8 October.

Iraqi forces slowly advanced Monday to retake the last patch of ground in Mosul where Islamic State militants are holding on to a tiny sliver of the Old City. As the conflict comes to an end the Norwegian Refugee Council is warning of the continued suffering of civilians.

Pope Francis on Wednesday greeted the members of a delegation from the Iraqi Supervisory Boards and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, calling their visit and dialogue "a true, fraternal richness, and is, therefore, a path towards peace"

Pope Francis appealed for a concerted effort to protect Iraqi civilians who are victims of an ongoing bloody war and he prayed in particular for those who are trapped in the embattled city of Mosul. His words came at the end of his catechesis during the General Audience in St. Peter’s Square.